Corydalis nudicaulis

“Elegant and distinct” (Lidén & Zetterlund), this recently introduced species – with airy, many-flowered clusters of slender, long-spurred, white, chocolate-tipped flowers in early April on 6-inch stems – is high on every corydaphile’s wishlist. Quite adaptable, it prefers full to partial sun and humus-rich, sharply drained soil. It grows and overwinters quite happily here in southern New England. Steppe; Tajikistan. Zone 5.